Vivienne Westwood Heart Wristlet

As I get older my fashion tastes are changing. I’m now going from the edgy, rocker chick look to a more classy, sophisticated look. I’m now also loving designers who have a more classic look to their designs. One of those designers is, Vivienne Westwood. Westwood has always had impeccable taste when it comes to fashion and her designs are nothing but fabulous.

Ever since I was little I’ve always had an obsession with hearts. Even when Louis Vuitton introduced the multicolor heart change purse, I wanted it so bad but unfortunately I was not able to get my hands on one. Ever since then, designers have also been taking the heart change purse design, making it their own and selling it at a more reasonable price. Vivienne Westwood has designed the Metal III “Heart Bag” and I love it!

I think I love it mostly because it’s in a way better price range than the Louis Vuitton one was but it’s also more my style now! I’m not sure why Westwood decided to call it a bag because I’m not sure what you can actually fit in it other than money and maybe your cards. I would never carry this alone, since it doesn’t have a wrist strap, but it’s adorable to throw in my purse and carry all my unwanted change.

All in all, it’s a cute accessory to have and it’s on sale! Even better! Affordable and stylish, I’m a fan!

Alexander Mcqueen Bow Skull Clutch

I’ve always been a huge fan of Alexander McQueen’s Skull Clutches ever since I laid my eyes on one. Every season the brand has the same clutch come out in the new collection, it’s just styled differently. Now, I’m absolutely loving one of the newest versions the “Classic” Skull Clutch.

Let’s be honest, the only reason I love this clutch is because of the bow! Usually the skull clutches are edgy looking this time it has more of a classy and sophisticated feel to it. Obviously, the clutches are meant to be evening or special occasion pieces but this one is more elegant. As soon as I saw it, I envisioned someone carrying this to the Grammy’s or Oscar’s.

I’m usually not fond of red but boy does it look beautiful on this clutch. I think the Swarovski crystals featured on the skull compliment all of the red featured all throughout the clutch. Even the gold pops out of the red well.

A piece like this would look amazing with a red gown that matches the red on the clutch perfectly. I really couldn’t see carrying it with any other outfit. Even if you wore a black gown it would look too gaudy and stick out way too much. Wear a red gown, carry this baby around and you have one A-list celebrity style outfit!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent Rue Bag

Ever since I was little, I always heard my Mother say how much she hated Patent leather. She always complained that it gets easily scratched and that the shine goes away rather quick. I guess, because of her despise for patent leather I grew up loving it. I actually prefer patent leather over any other type of leather. To me, it’s flashy and fun! Patent leather is a blessing in disguise, because if your bag gets dirty you can easily clean it! Sounds pretty amazing to me.

I currently have a Michael Kors patent leather bag that I got in 2007 and ever since then I’ve been looking for another equally fashionable one at a reasonable price. The only other comparable one I found over the years was by Yves Saint Laurent and it was way over $1000. Finally thanks to Marc Jacobs I found one that is drop dead gorgeous. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent “Exploded” Dot Lock Petite Rue is not only stunning but it’s also stylish!

This bag screams fabulous and for the price, it’s pretty spacious! I love that you can carry it as a satchel or a shoulder bag and the huge turn-lock closure is amazing! This is definitely a bag I would of wanted when I was in college and I would love to have it now as it’s always raining in Florida. I can’t stand when my non-patent leather bags get water stains on them and with patent leather you never have that problem!

Grey Sunshine Yuma Clutch

I’m more of a structured handbag type of gal. I like a handbag to keep its shape on its own, as I dislike being additional support, hence the reason I sold my Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 to my little sis. But there is that party that prefers the smooshy, free-moving silhouette of an everyday accessory.

The Yuma Clutch by Grey Sunshine is an example of what might be a displeasing look to the majority of both groups. The effortless design of a single strip of disproportional leather makes up this day to evening clutch.

Diane von Furstenberg Harri Clutch

When I first glanced at the Diane von Furstenberg Harri Jewel-Embellished Box Clutch, I was a little confused as to what I was looking at. From a distance, the randomly placed embellishments almost make this piece look like a vintage suitcase covered in stickers from all over the world. But upon closer inspection, I realized that those “stickers” aren’t stickers at all. That isn’t to say they aren’t “vintage” though! Those colorful embellishments are actually pretty jewels in all shapes and sizes. When you look at them against the black suede background, it almost looks like you’re peering into your grandma’s jewelry box filled with brooches!

I must admit, I wasn’t completely hooked on this clutch in the beginning. The more I look at it though, the more I find myself liking it. The idea is fun and unique, in a very sophisticated sort of way. I also love the black suede body. It isn’t something you see on a box clutch very often. Plus the price isn’t too bad either! It sells for less than $400. This clutch would look lovely paired with your favorite little black dress. Carry it clutched in hand or over your shoulder with its optional chain strap.

Rebecca Minkoff Sweetie Bag

Gosh darn it! I am still dreaming of a 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Bow Bag. They sure are impossible to find now, aren’t they? Oh well, I suppose this will cheer me up. I stumbled across a bag that sort of reminds me of my dream bag today. It’s the !

Obviously, it is not a mirror image (I’m not saying Rebecca Minkoff copied 3.1 Phillip Lim or anything like that). The two bags do, however, share some similar characteristics that I find particularly desirable. They both have a large bow on the front, flap closure, studs, and an extra-long strap. The may not be my dream bag, but it is very cute nonetheless! It is small and, well, sweet. The rounded black studs on the black leather background makes for a great tone-on-tone look. Plus the tiny grommet trim is just too cute! I love the new leopard print lining and convertible chain strap (something Ms. Minkoff has been utilizing a lot in her designs lately). More of a party bag, this piece would be perfect for when you don’t want to carry a lot. It would look great paired with a party dress or your favorite girls’ night out ensemble!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Rat Pouch

Straight from the Fall/Winter 2011 Runway is the Party Rat Pouch on behalf of the Marc by Marc Jacobs line. The Party Rat name sounds so unattractive, but what do you all think about its appearance? Everyone knows that the hottest trend for the colder climates is fur, but I feel it should strictly be left on outerwear or on the animal itself as fuzzy accessories are simply misguided. It could have been worst if this accessory was actually made out of a single strip of rat pelt (groans), but before any animal activist makes prompt judgment, this piece is indeed faux fur.

I’m no fur guru so I can’t tell you what type of fur it should characterize, what I do know is that this piece is perfect for the trend setter who has a soft spot for furry critters. One thing to rave about is that there is a visible silhouette on this piece. Most fur accessories are hard to distinguish what shape it’s meant to host; but the Party Rat Pouch has a visible snap flap closure. Dangle off a larger accessory such as the Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Rat Regine Bag, or carry at the palm of your hand as an additional attention-grabbing technique. Mirror with kiss graphic design is included!

DKNY Print Shopper

I may have been born in 1985, but I consider myself kind of old school. I miss the days when we wrote letters instead of writing quick emails, using house phones instead of having a cell phone on us at all times, and lastly reading the newspaper instead of having everything on the internet 24/7 now. Some people call me crazy but I really do miss the old times. Technology kind of took old school traditions away from us but I’ll admit it’s made a lot of things easier.

I went to school for Broadcast Journalism, so even though newspapers seem to be a dying breed I still love them. For some odd reason, whenever I see fashion pieces that celebrate newspapers I end up loving them! They may not be the most fashionable pieces in the world but if I can’t read a newspapers I might as well carry a bag that’s decorated as one!

The DKNY “Printed” Webbing Medium Shopper literally looks like a newspaper was folded together to form a bag! It also seems that the newspaper looking bag is full of written fashion pieces! How clever! It’s a great bag to carry around when you have lots of things you have to lug around or maybe even to the gym!

Vintage Chanel Lizard Bag

Even though I wear mostly black and white, pink is my favorite color in the world. It’s girly, it’s pretty and it just makes any fashion accessory more fun. My favorite shade of pink is light pink and anytime I see anything in the fashion world that is light pink I usually want it. i always love to go into the Juicy Couture store. I don’t like their clothes too much but I love looking at all of their pink accessories. If you ever go in their you will see the whole store is pretty much stocked in pink!

When I saw the WGACA on Shop Bop my mouth dropped. That is the exact shade of pink I love and this purse would look amazing with a pair of cream/ivory heels and denim jeans. This is one of those handbags where I would keep my outfit so simple so it can steal the show. Chanel handbags are always statement pieces because you can’t help and stare at them! They are beautiful!

The only feature that creeps me out is the lizard skin. If any bag is animal skin, I always get the creeps. I just don’t like the feel of it. Currently I do not own any animal skin purses but I would make an exception for this one! Who can pass up a gorgeous vintage Chanel bag in perfect condition? I’d buy it in a heart beat if it was a little more affordable!

Overall, this is a gorgeous bag that oozes beauty! Someone buy it, then send us pictures. Thanks!

Fashion Week Handbags: Fendi Spring 2012

Images via Vogue.com

Forgive me for a moment while I indulge in a bit of Internet vernacular: I am disappoint, PurseBloggers. For the past few seasons, I’ve thought that Fendi was on something of a roll when it came to runway bags; Spring 2011 was of particular note, and I had high hopes for what Fendi Spring 2012 handbags would look like. Well. Let’s just say that those hopes were summarily dashed by what happened at the actual show.

I’m not here to critique the ready-to-wear, but I think it’s relevant to say that the entire thing made me think that Fendi really, really wants to be Prada when it grows up. Karl Lagerfeld made a lot of overtures to the wearable, intellectual, modernist quirk that has become Miuccia’s signature, but the final products felt like the designs were reaching for something they didn’t quite accomplish. That’s doubly true for the multicolored studded bags and all the totes that look like they’re birthing suede hobos. Maybe these bags are just so different that I need to give them a chance to grow on me, but right now, I simply don’t get it, with the exception of the couple clutches with the extra-short fur trim. Those can stay. Cathy Horyn disagrees with me, though, so I’m probably wrong.

Reed Krakoff joins the $30,000 club

A $30,000 price tag always sticks out to me, probably because when I was growing up, that’s how much I thought a car cost. Naturally, I’ve since learned that sometimes cars cost less, and even more bizarrely, sometimes handbags cost more. The Reed Krakoff Alligator Hobo, however, comes in at 30 grand on the nose.

Black alligator seems to be the preferred method of delivery for that many thousands of dollars worth of handbag, if this design and The Row’s backpack (which has now been identified as alligator instead of our original guess of crocodile) is any indication. For my money, I’d want something a little more adventurous, but I suppose that versatility is of the essence when one is actually considering spending that much money on a single bag.

I was somewhat surprised to see such an expensive piece come from Reed Krakoff; one of my favorite things about the brand since its launch has been that Krakoff’s prices are much more in tune with the kinds of price points that consumers want than most other companies seem to be. On further reflection, though, launching this design at this time makes a certain kind of sense. Krakoff needs to make sure that it continues to distinguish itself from parent company Coach, both in design and in public image, and adding a few ultraluxury pieces to the mix is a smart way to do that while garnering some industry chatter in the process.

So while this bag might be a savvy move for the people who make it, I wouldn’t say the same for the people who buy it. Save your outrageous handbag budgets for something a little more special; at this rate, the next $30,000 bag should be just around the corner.

The Row Alligator Backpack is $34,000

The Row Alligator Backpack, $34,000 via Net-a-Porter

Two ridiculously expensive black alligator bags in one day, oh my! We previously reported that The Row would release and price their alligator backpack at $39,000. If you have 40 large to burn, then I have good news for you: the actual retail price is $34,000 and it is available now at Net-A-Porter.

The bad news for the majority of the world is that $34,000 buys a nice car, college tuition, mortgage payments, or a yearly salary. So hop on the “not-going-to-buy-this-bag-ever” train with me if you fall into that category.

But sticker shock aside, let’s talk about the design of The Row Alligator Backpack.

First off and most obviously, this is a backpack. Some fashion designers have embraced the backpack look over time but there has never been a huge push toward the trend. I prefer my backpack days to be left to highschool, but I don’t deny that a fashionable backpack can be created.

I do think The Row has created a very beautiful backpack, one that even I would wear. The black alligator skin stands out on the body of the bag and then there are adjustable canvas straps, an internal detachable handle, plenty of pockets, and leather lining. To give a bit of a casual touch, the backpack has a drawstring top. I can easily see both Olsen twins carrying this bag, slung over their shoulder or dangling from their hands, leaving every girl yearning to make this backpack style her own.

The more I look at this bag, the more it grows on me. It might even turn me into a backpack loving girl again. But the price is absurd for a brand that is new to the handbag world (granted, the price is absurd in general).

Fashion Week Handbags: Gucci Spring 2012

Images via Vogue.com

Will the hobo be making a comeback for spring? If Gucci has anything to say about it, the answer is “yes.” Ladylike satchels and small crossbody bags have been the currency of the accessories industry for the past several seasons, so much so that Gucci Spring 2012‘s stable of chain-strapped hobos was more than a little surprising to see.

In a move that was more in keeping with current trends, most of the hobos were done in an exotic of some sort, but they were all the same familiar, triangular shape that all of us probably have somewhere in our closets from a few years back. I would have liked to see a larger variety and more of the compact exotic clutches that graced a few model’s hands, but as it is, the collection makes me wonder if we’re going to see a shape-shift in the handbag market anytime soon.

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2012 Collection: Bailey is a Man of His Craft

Come Spring 2012, it is time for the once-preppy and recently toughened Burberry girl to put away her metal-armored and severely spiked bags and embrace a folkloric fairy tale. For his latest collection, Christopher Bailey has sent his Londoner on a worldly adventure into the exotic east, where she developed an appreciation for deep, vivid colors (ones unusual for spring) and artisans’ craftsmanship. From morphed tartan plaid to the hand-crafted weaves, I loved these clutches and totes for their sense of human touch. Heavy on quirky texture and offbeat colors, oversized beaded clutches pack a mean punch. Wild weaves have been partially dipped in panels of python. Organic raffia and teal python have been blended for city-meets-country edge and lightly printed plaid fabric fades beneath elaborately whipstiched and buckled leather.

It is all a much welcomed and creative change from the safety pins and heavy metal studs we had become accustomed to. It looks like becoming a well-traveled woman of the world suits the Burberry Brit quite nicely.

Christian Louboutin Sybil Reversible Tote Bag: No Personality Disorders Here

A bag with multiple personalities? Yes, please! I know Kelly already covered Christian Louboutin’s two-for-one special in crackly metallic silver, but I prefer the pony hair! Actually, I’d go so far to say there’s a high possibility this is the best bag I have ever seen from Monsieur des Chaussueres.

I played around with the belted tote at the Louboutin showroom, and it’s even better in person. Adjust the push-stud fastening on the belt to cinch the bag and give it more shape or let it stay stiff and structured. Not only is it so lightweight you’ll want to toss it around all day long, it is made of the most amazing pony-hair I have ever touched in my life.

Reed Krakoff Boxer Bag: So Glad I Gave It a Fighting Chance

When I initially saw photos of Reed Krakoff’s best-known bag style, I wasn’t inclined to jump on the Boxer bandwagon. Now that we’ve met, I have to tell you: the photos do not do it justice. The instant you pick up a Boxer, you’ll know what I mean.

All those opposing straps and panels make it look complicated, but that’s no accident: the genius of the design lies in the elaborate complexity! This tri-colored, multi-material tote is surprisingly lightweight with endless functionalities. You cannot tell from the photos that the entire front-flap lifts up to reveal a hidden pocket; then look inside this structured top-handle: multiple interior pockets to keep you organized. And did I mention how lightweight the leather is?!

With all the mixed-and-matched options, selecting a Boxer is a personal experience. Choose among cool white canvas and leather, neutral-toned leather, shearling and toasted brown leather, metallic anthracite, black calf hair,or suede and wool-felt.